The candidates raise similar themes in their keynote speeches, but while one has not wavered from her strongly conservative positions, the other appeals more to moderates.

Framing their arguments for the general election, the two top-ticket Republicans said their real-world experience would make them more effective advocates for Californians than the career politicians they face in November. Democratic rivals Jerry Brown and Sen. Barbara Boxer have spent a "lifetime" in elected office and lost touch with the struggles of working families, according to U.S. Senate candidate Carly Fiorina and gubernatorial nominee Meg Whitman.